Rio Ferdinand is out for at least another two weeks after hospital scans on his thigh injury.

The Manchester United and England centre-back missed United's opening game, their 1-0 win against Birmingham at Old Trafford yesterday.

Today's medical report means Ferdinand will be sidelined for Wednesday's trip to Burnley, along with the games against Wigan and Arsenal at home.

The defender is also now a doubt for England's World Cup qualifiers next month against Slovenia and Croatia.

His partner at the centre of defence, Nemanja Vidic (calf), is also out of Wednesday's clash and reserve defender Jonny Evans limped off after 74 minutes against Birmingham with a groin injury - adding to United's considerable problems at the back.